Chris Young Collecting Toys for Kids Put Out by Tennessee Wildfires

Chris Young is giving hope to children in Gatlinburg, Tenn., this holiday season with the announcement of his Toys For Tots drive benefiting kids devastated by recent wildfires.

On Saturday (Dec. 10), at Young's final tour stop for the year, Young shared that he and the CMA will team up in the effort by collecting unwrapped toys from the Nashville music community.

"Tennessee is my home and the families of Gatlinburg have lost so much. I'm glad to have the opportunity to help bring smiles to the children here at Christmastime," Young says in a press release. Members of the CMA and local colleagues are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys to the organization's corporate office at 35 Music Square E., Suite 201 in Nashville.

“We are asking our industry colleagues to give so that children who have nothing left have something to hope for this holiday season,” adds Sarah Trahern, Chief Executive Officer of CMA.

CMA will be accepting toy donations through Dec. 16. The toys will be transported to kids in Gatlinburg on Dec. 19.

“We have many artists and CMA members with strong ties to East Tennessee and we are thankful to Chris for spearheading this effort,” Trahern says. “Recovery in the region will take time, but getting a cherished toy into the hands of a child who has lost everything will hopefully spread some needed joy.”

Toys for Tots is run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve with the goal to provide happiness and hope to disadvantaged children during the holiday season.

Young has been in the giving mood as of late — he recently established a scholarship to benefit students at his alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in Murfreesboro, Tenn.